bagworm

noun

bag·worm | \ ˈbag-ˌwərm

Definition of bagworm

: any of a family (Psychidae) of moths with wingless females and plant-feeding larvae that live in a silk case covered with plant debris especially : one (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) often destructive to deciduous and evergreen trees of the eastern U.S.

Examples of bagworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When treating plants, do so early in the bagworm’s development, because older larvae aren’t as vulnerable to Bt and different pesticides may be needed. — Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 June 2022 Unfortunately, evergreen areas killed by bagworms do not regrow. — Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, 4 Sep. 2019 The ideal time to spray for bagworm control is the first and second week of June with Malathion. — Dick Crum, Indianapolis Star, 11 Aug. 2017 Subject to spider mites and occasionally bagworms, but both are easily stopped. — Neil Sperry, star-telegram.com, 16 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bagworm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.